U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, left, (R-Ala.) listens as Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr., right, expresses his questions and comments during a county visit at the Selma-Dallas County Public Library. Shelby has served 30 years as a senator or congressman. He said energy is a big issue for the U.S., and he noted that education, especially in math, science and engineering, is critical since our state and nation must compete in a global economy. Shelby has held more than 1400 county meetings in Alabama and meets in each county at least annually. Other issues at the meeting included a proposed interstate addition through Selma and the Black Belt and assurance that dredging will allow the Alabama River to remain open for river traffic.